OK, you've got to check this out: <link http: www.erh.noaa.gov btv html climatemaps climatemaps.shtml external-link-new-window external link in new>NOAA reports there are 98 inches of snow still left on the summit of Mt. Mansfield, here in Vermont. 98 inches on April 7!
I got out on the trails at Bolton Valley yesterday and enjoyed some super spring skiing in the bright sunshine. And I wasn't alone. It was Bolton's last day of operation, despite having abundant snow, so everyone was getting their last rides on the lifts. They even kept the Vista Quad open until 5 p.m. for the die-hards.
The corn snow made for some fun carving and bumps. The Skimeister and I did laps on the Vista Quad and Wilderness (before that lift broke down)! We ate our turkey sandwiches with a view; we climbed up the fire lookout on the top of the mountain. Great views in all directions.
After a couple of hours, I switched gear and tried telemark skiing on Skimeister's Tua skis and Garmont Excursion boots. They are a lot beefier than my backcountry gear. I rode the mid-mountain lift and tended to do a wedge christie kind of turn, but every once in a while I got my legs closer together for a smooth tele turn. I only crossed my skis once, resulting in a gentle wipeout.
Then I discovered a great little trail called Glades. It's accessed from the top of the mid-mountain lift and it had great, soft bumps and a few birch trees here and there. Those moguls looked so inviting, I wished I hadn't switched to the tele gear! I still enjoyed the trail, sans bumps. I'll remember it for next year.
Now the Skimeister and I are looking to this coming weekend. Where shall we ski? In the backcountry? At a ski resort? Here's a look at the anticipated closing days for <link internal-link internal link in current>Vermont ski resorts. Quite a selection! Call or check their Web sites before you drive.
CLOSING DAYS
Bromley - closed mid-week after April 6th, reopen on 4/11 for final weekend
Jay Peak - April 27
Killington - April 20
Mad River Glen - April 13
Magic Mountain - open weekends only until snow runs out
Mount Snow - will stay open as long as people keep skiing
Okemo - April 20
Smugglers' Notch - April 13
Stratton - April 13
Stowe - April 20
Sugarbush - Mt. Ellen closed for season, Lincoln Peak open through April, conditions permitting
NOW CLOSED FOR SEASON
Ascutney - closed for the season
Bolton Valley - closed for the season
Burke - closed for the season
Middlebury Snowbowl - closed for the season
Pico - closed for the season
Suicide Six - closed for the season
